The supposedly slow period of the NFL offseason has been anything but slow. With each new controversy, the next one is usually only days behind.
The latest unexpected story, courtesy of Texans linebacker Brian Cushing and his positive test for violating the league’s policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances, continues to grow tentacles. Cushing’s camp leaked to Adam Schefter of ESPN the notion that the player passed a lie detector test regarding whether he took a “PED,” but the report’s lack of details and the overall circumstances have caused us to conclude that Cushing’s people are launching a P.R. campaign.
And we’re not the only ones who think that Cushing’s handling of the situation could use some performance enhancement. Veteran beat writer John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has called on Cushing to “man up” and “tell us what he tested positive for.” McClain points out that he has heard three different substances from three different sources.
We’ll echo the position we took in response to the news regarding the supposed polygraph test. Cushing should authorize the league to disclose all details regarding his positive test, including the substance and the written submissions made in connection with the appeal and the transcript of the appeal hearing and the written ruling from the league office.
Any other approach is simply spin control. So even though plenty of players are suspected of cheating (especially since no test is being used for HGH), guys who get caught shouldn’t get the benefit of the doubt. They need to be called out loudly in order to send a powerful message to those who may be tempted to cheat -- whether they’re already in the NFL or whether they hope to be in about 10 years, after they grow up. Absent a harsh penalty, the problem never will be solved.
